Tapo P100 Smart Plug Review – Reliable, Affordable Smart Control for UK Homes (2025 Edition)

Overview

When it comes to reliable and affordable smart home gadgets, TP-Link’s Tapo series has become a go-to choice for UK households. The Tapo P100 Smart Plug exemplifies the brand’s reputation for simplicity, efficiency, and outstanding value. With no need for a hub and seamless integration with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, it’s an ideal entry point into smart home automation.

Available individually or in packs of two or four, the P100 is compact, responsive, and incredibly budget-friendly — making it perfect for automating anything from lamps to phone chargers. In this review, we’ll examine how it performs, how it compares to premium alternatives, and why it’s one of the most popular smart plugs in the UK.

Key Features

• ✅ No hub required – works over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
• ✅ Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
• ✅ Remote control via the free Tapo app
• ✅ Timer and schedule functionality built-in
• ✅ Away Mode simulates presence while you’re out
• ✅ Compact design suitable for any standard UK socket

Installation is straightforward: plug it in, open the Tapo app, follow the pairing process, and you’re ready to go. The app interface is intuitive, allowing users to name plugs, group them, and set up automations with minimal effort.

Performance in Real-World Use

The Tapo P100 performs exceptionally well for its price range. During testing, commands issued via both the Tapo app and Alexa executed within one second. There’s virtually no noticeable delay, and scheduling actions like turning on a lamp at sunset worked flawlessly.

Its compact form factor is especially convenient — unlike some bulkier alternatives, the P100 does not block adjacent sockets, even on tight extension strips. And despite its affordability, it feels well-made, with a solid plastic shell and clean design.

Everyday Use Cases in UK Homes

• 💡 Lamp automation: Turn lights on at sunset and off at bedtime without touching a switch.
• 📱 Phone charger control: Automatically power down after 2 hours to preserve battery health.
• 🕓 Appliance management: Set timers for electric kettles or fans to shut off automatically.
• 🏖️ Away Mode: Randomise lighting while on holiday to deter intruders.
• 🔌 Remote reset: Reboot connected routers or devices when away from home.

Tapo P100 vs. Eve Energy vs. Hue Plug

How does this budget-friendly smart plug compare to higher-end options?

• 🔌 vs. Eve Energy: Eve offers Matter support, Thread, and power monitoring — but it’s triple the price. Tapo wins for casual users.
• 💡 vs. Philips Hue Smart Plug: The Hue plug works well within the Hue ecosystem but lacks a standalone app. Tapo’s flexibility makes it better for most homes.
• 🪙 vs. Amazon Smart Plug: Amazon’s plug is tightly Alexa-only. Tapo works with both Alexa and Google Assistant and costs less.

Bottom line: if you’re not in need of advanced analytics or Matter support, the Tapo P100 is hard to beat on price-to-performance ratio.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking to automate your home without spending a fortune, the Tapo P100 is one of the best options available in 2025. It’s simple, fast, and integrates well with all major smart home platforms except Apple. The Tapo app is polished, schedules are reliable, and the overall experience feels far more premium than its price tag suggests.

While advanced users might miss features like energy monitoring or Matter compatibility, this plug is perfect for everyday use. Whether you’re building your first smart home setup or expanding your existing system, the Tapo P100 is a smart choice that won’t break the bank.

★★★★☆ (4.5/5)